Multiple animal species have human-like behavior.

Most of these behaviors are centered on how they socialize with each other, how they protect their family and their parenting style.

These manifestations remind us that we are more alike with most living creatures than we could ever imagine.

This heartwarming encounter between a human and a gorilla is an excellent reminder of that.

Michael Austin shared this magnificent moment on his Facebook account.

He and his wife, Emmelina, brought their one-year-old baby Canyon to Franklin Park Zoo in Boston.

Emmelina noticed from afar how one gorilla intently looked at the baby she was holding, so she asked if they could go nearer.

That’s where they met the gorilla named Kiki.

Emmelina went down on her knees and placed baby Canyon on her leg to show him to Kiki.

The mother gorilla immediately ran towards them, leaned on the glass, and looked at the human baby in front of her.

Kiki was a new mother herself, and she and Emmelina had a strong connection.

You could see how her arm was trying to reach out to the baby while looking at him so lovingly.

Her massive hand was waving and feeling the glass as if she was trying to hold him.

She just couldn’t take her eyes off him!

It amazed everyone who witnessed how this huge gorilla acted so gently when she saw the baby.

Kiki’s eyes were fixed on Canyon, and her soft expression told her admiration for the little human.

But that’s not the only adorable thing about that encounter!

As a new mom, Kiki also showed Michael and Emmelina her 7-month-old baby Pablo.

The little guy was seen sneaking behind his mother, who also got curious about little Canyon.

It was a loving moment that brought the couple to tears.

“My wife mentioned that she felt like she could understand their bond and could see how much she cared for Pablo since she is a mother now herself,” Michael told The Dodo.

He also shared that there was a moment when Pablo leaned towards the glass, and both mother and baby gorilla touched their noses at some point.

This touched the couples so much, and it brought them to tears.

Kiki’s interest in Canyon is not unusual since gorillas are known to be great mothers.

According to the Smithsonian Magazine, two animals considered good mothers are gorillas and cheetahs.

Biologist and curator Craig Saffoe said that in his line of work at the Smithsonian National Zoo, gorillas are one of the most caring animals he witnessed.

He even said that he never saw one gorilla neglect their child.

However, he also pointed out that there are many factors to consider in who is the “best.”

He said that as he studied animals, they varied in parenting styles. Being categorized as the “best mother” would also mean how they protect their young, how they make sure that the little ones survive until they become independent, and how gentle they are with the infants.

He also added that maybe gorillas have the most human-like parenting style because they are closer to humans than any other species.

Watch the adorable moment between Kiki, Canyon, and Emmelina in the video below.

Source: Michael Austin YouTube Channel, The Dodo, Smithsonian Magazine